Flexible article for UV disinfection

ABSTRACT

A device including a flexible substrate and an ultraviolet radiation system is disclosed. The ultraviolet radiation system can include at least one ultraviolet radiation source configured to emit ultraviolet radiation towards a surface to be disinfected, an ultraviolet transparent component configured to focus the ultraviolet radiation, and a control system configured to control the at least one ultraviolet radiation source. The device can include a hand article, such as a glove.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The current application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/925,068, filed on 28 Oct. 2015, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application Nos. 62/069,486, filed on 28 Oct. 2014, and62/072,724, filed on 30 Oct. 2014, all of which are hereby incorporatedby reference. Aspects of the invention are related to: U.S. applicationSer. No. 14/853,057, filed on 14 Sep. 2015; U.S. application Ser. No.14/853,014, filed on 14 Sep. 2015; U.S. application Ser. No. 14/870,515,filed on 30 Sep. 2015; and U.S. application Ser. No. 14/883,804, filedon 15 Oct. 2015, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to ultraviolet radiation, and moreparticularly, to a solution for disinfecting surfaces.

BACKGROUND ART

The anti-microbial properties of ultraviolet violet-C (UV-C) light arewell-known to scientists and have been used since the 1930's to killgerms containing DNA and RNA (including bacteria, viruses, fungi, andmold). UV-C light is invisible to the human eye. While UV-C light isinvisible, given sufficient intensity and exposure, UV-C light can killmost of the germs responsible for causing disease in humans and animals.UV-C light can destroy the DNA and/or RNA (genetic material) ofpathogens (disease-causing bacteria, viruses, mold, etc.). Once the DNAin a pathogen has been destroyed, the pathogen is either killed ordeactivated. At that point, the pathogen can no longer functionproperly; and the pathogen can no longer reproduce.

In general, ultraviolet (UV) light is classified into three wavelengthranges: UV-C, from about 200 nanometers (nm) to about 280 nm; UV-B, fromabout 280 nm to about 315 nm; and UV-A, from about 315 nm to about 400nm. Generally, ultraviolet light, and in particular, UV-C light is“germicidal,” i.e., it deactivates the DNA of bacteria, viruses andother pathogens and thus destroys their ability to multiply and causedisease. This effectively results in sterilization of themicroorganisms. Specifically, UV-C light causes damage to the nucleicacid of microorganisms by forming covalent bonds between certainadjacent bases in the DNA. The formation of these bonds prevents the DNAfrom being “unzipped” for replication, and the organism is neither ableto produce molecules essential for life process, nor is it able toreproduce. In fact, when an organism is unable to produce theseessential molecules or is unable to replicate, it dies. UV light with awavelength of approximately between about 250 to about 280 nm providesthe highest germicidal effectiveness. While susceptibility to UV lightvaries, exposure to UV energy for about 20 to about 34milliwatt-seconds/cm² is adequate to deactivate approximately 99 percentof the pathogens.

Box-type UV sterilizers are well known for use in sterilizing alldifferent objects including contact lenses, combs and safety goggles.With these types of sterilizers, only a single source of radiation isusually employed and, as such, there are often areas on an object to besterilized that are shadowed from the UV radiation produced from thesingle source. Furthermore, the object to be sterilized is oftenrequired to rest on a support during the sterilization process. If thesupport is not transparent to the UV radiation, the support alsocontributes to shadowing the object to be sterilized from the UVradiation.

Various approaches have been used in decontaminating surfaces throughthe use of ultraviolet light. For example, in one approach, a mobilegermicidal system for decontaminating walls and a ceiling of a room isdisclosed. Germicidal lamps are positioned adjacent the wall and/orceiling to thereby sterilize the surface. Another approach discloses anultraviolet air sterilization device for connection to an air handlingduct for the purpose of sterilizing the air as it flows through theduct. Another approach discloses a wheeled carriage with a handle toallow the operator to move the sterilization device over a floor.

An apparatus using ultraviolet light is disclosed in one approach fortreating an object. A handheld device for moving across a surface toeradicate undesirable elements thereon is disclosed in another approach.An additional approach discloses a mobile disinfectant device and methodusing ultraviolet light to sterilize a surface. Another approachprovides a UV spot curing system for hardening epoxy material using awand emitting ultraviolet light.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention provide a device comprising a flexiblesubstrate including an ultraviolet radiation system for disinfecting asurface using ultraviolet radiation.

A first aspect of the invention provides a device, comprising: aflexible substrate comprising an ultraviolet absorbing layer located ona first side and a second side located opposite the first side; and anultraviolet radiation system coupled to the flexible substrate, whereinthe ultraviolet radiation system includes: at least one ultravioletradiation source configured to emit ultraviolet radiation through thesecond side; an ultraviolet transparent component configured to waveguide the ultraviolet radiation; and a control system configured tocontrol operation of the at least one ultraviolet radiation source.

A second aspect of the invention provides a hand article, comprising: aflexible substrate configured to at least partially cover a hand of auser, the flexible substrate forming an interior surface immediatelyadjacent to the hand and an exterior surface; and an ultravioletradiation system coupled to the flexible substrate, wherein theultraviolet radiation system includes: at least one ultravioletradiation source configured to emit ultraviolet radiation towards theexterior surface; and an ultraviolet transparent component configured tofocus the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the at least one ultravioletradiation source.

A third aspect of the invention provides a hand article, comprising: aflexible substrate configured to at least partially cover a hand of auser, the flexible substrate forming an interior surface immediatelyadjacent to the hand and an exterior surface; and an ultravioletradiation system coupled to the flexible substrate, wherein theultraviolet radiation system includes: at least one ultravioletradiation source configured to emit ultraviolet radiation towards atreatment surface located adjacent to the exterior surface; at least onesensing unit configured to sense a set of properties of the treatmentsurface; an ultraviolet transparent component configured to focus theultraviolet radiation; and a control system configured to controloperation of the at least one ultraviolet radiation source based on theset of properties of the treatment surface.

The illustrative aspects of the invention are designed to solve one ormore of the problems herein described and/or one or more other problemsnot discussed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the disclosure will be more readilyunderstood from the following detailed description of the variousaspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings that depict various aspects of the invention.

FIG. 1A shows a top view of an illustrative flexible substrate accordingto an embodiment, and FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of anillustrative flexible substrate according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A shows a top view of an illustrative flexible hand articleincluding various illustrative ultraviolet LED systems according to anembodiment, and FIG. 2B shows a side view of an illustrative flexiblehand article in an illustrative gesture position according to anembodiment.

FIG. 3A shows a top view of an illustrative ultraviolet LED systemaccording to an embodiment, and FIG. 3B shows a cross-section of anillustrative optical element for an ultraviolet radiation sourceaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 4A shows a side view of an illustrative handheld ultraviolet unitaccording to still another embodiment, and FIG. 4B illustratesillumination of a surface by the handheld ultraviolet unit.

FIG. 5 shows an illustrative process for sterilizing a surface accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative system for implementing an ultraviolettreatment device described herein according to one embodiment.

It is noted that the drawings may not be to scale. The drawings areintended to depict only typical aspects of the invention, and thereforeshould not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In thedrawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As indicated above, aspects of the invention provide a device includinga flexible substrate and an ultraviolet radiation system. Theultraviolet radiation system can include at least one ultravioletradiation source configured to emit ultraviolet radiation towards asurface to be treated, an ultraviolet transparent component configuredto focus the ultraviolet radiation, and a control system configured tocontrol the at least one ultraviolet radiation source. The device can beconfigured as a hand article, such as a glove. As used herein, treatmentcan entail cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing, and/or sanitizing asurface of an object. Cleaning generally means the removal of visiblesoil (e.g., organic and inorganic material) from objects and surfaces.Disinfecting generally means destroying pathogenic and other types ofmicroorganisms, while sterilizing is more extensive in that it kills allmicrobial forms. Sanitizing generally means reducing the number ofbacterial contaminants to a predetermined safe level.

As used herein, unless otherwise noted, the term “set” means one or more(i.e., at least one) and the phrase “any solution” means any now knownor later developed solution. As also used herein, a layer is atransparent layer when the layer allows at least ten percent ofradiation having a target wavelength, which is radiated at a normalincidence to an interface of the layer, to pass there through.Furthermore, as used herein, a layer is a reflective layer when thelayer reflects at least ten percent of radiation having a targetwavelength, which is radiated at a normal incidence to an interface ofthe layer. In an embodiment, the target wavelength of the radiationcorresponds to a wavelength of radiation emitted or sensed (e.g., peakwavelength +/−five nanometers) by an active region of an optoelectronicdevice during operation of the device. For a given layer, the wavelengthcan be measured in a material of consideration and can depend on arefractive index of the material. It is understood that, unlessotherwise specified, each value is approximate and each range of valuesincluded herein is inclusive of the end values defining the range.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1A shows a top view a flexible substrate10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The flexibility of theflexible substrate 10 can be similar to the flexibility of nitrilebutadiene rubber, latex, neoprene, and/or the like, having a thicknesssuitable for use in conjunction with a glove. In an embodiment, theflexible substrate 10 can be formed of a flexible material having aflexibility and thickness similar to the material used for medicalgloves. The flexible substrate 10 can include a set of ultravioletradiation sources 12. The ultraviolet radiation source 12 can compriseany combination of one or more ultraviolet radiation emitters to form anultraviolet system. Examples of ultraviolet radiation emitters caninclude, but are not limited to, high intensity ultraviolet lamps (e.g.,high intensity mercury lamps), discharge lamps, ultraviolet lightemitting diodes (LEDs), super luminescent LEDs, laser diodes, and/or thelike. In one embodiment, the ultraviolet radiation source 12 can includea set of LEDs manufactured with one or more layers of materials selectedfrom the group-III nitride material system (e.g.,Al_(x)In_(y)Ga_(1−X−Y)N, where 0≤x, y≤1, and x+y≤1 and/or alloysthereof).

Turning now to FIG. 1B, a perspective view of a flexible substrate 10according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. In an embodiment,the flexible substrate 10 can also include a set of sensing units 14. Inthis embodiment, the flexible substrate 10 is shown including a set ofsensing units 14 interspersed with the ultraviolet radiation sources 12.Each sensing unit 14 can include at least one sensor that is configuredto sense any parameter regarding a surface to be disinfected. Anon-exhaustive list of sensors that may be used can include atemperature sensor, a reflection sensor, a distance sensor (e.g., aninfrared (IR) distance sensor), a bacterial fluorescent sensor, achemical sensor, a radiation sensor, a visible light sensor, a humiditysensor, and/or the like. In addition to the ultraviolet radiation source12 and the sensing units 14, the flexible substrate 10 can also includea set of visible light sources 15. In another embodiment, theultraviolet radiation source 12 is capable of emitting radiation atwavelengths that includes the visible light, in addition to theultraviolet radiation.

In an embodiment, the flexible substrate 10 can include a plurality oflayers. The plurality of layers can include a UV protective layer 16, anelectronics support layer 18, a source support layer 20, and an opticallight guiding layer 22. The optical light guiding layer 22 can beflexible and transparent to ultraviolet radiation and/or visible lightso that light emitted by the source(s) 12, 15 can pass there through. Anembodiment of the optical light guiding layer 22 is formed of a UVtransparent fluoropolymer, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),and/or the like. Additionally, the optical light guiding layer 22 can beconfigured to provide wave guiding for the radiation and/or visiblelight. To this extent, additional details regarding embodiments of theoptical light guiding layer 22 are provided in U.S. application Ser. No.14/853,057, entitled “Fluid-Based Light Guiding Structure andFabrication Thereof,” which was filed on 14 Sep. 2015 and U.S.application Ser. No. 14/853,014, entitled “AAO-Based Light GuidingStructure and Fabrication Thereof,” which was filed on 14 Sep. 2015,which are both incorporated herein by reference and can include flexiblesubstrates.

The UV protective layer 16 can be formed of a material that absorbs allor most of the UV radiation that is emitted from the ultravioletradiation source 12. For example, the UV protective layer 16 can beformed of latex rubber, neoprene, and/or the like. In an embodiment, atleast 99% of the UV radiation is absorbed by the UV protective layer 16.The electronics support layer 18 can be configured to support anycombination of various electronic circuitry 19 and can incorporatetransistors, resistors, and/or other electronic components forcontrolling and powering the source(s) 12, 15 and/or the sensing units14. An embodiment of the electronics support layer 18 is formed of aflexible insulating material. The source layer 20 can be configured tosupport the source(s) 12, 15, the sensing units 14, and/or one or moreadditional electronic components.

The flexible substrates 10 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B can be used to forma device operable to treat a surface, e.g., to detect and/or disinfectpathogens from the surface. Further aspects of the invention aredescribed in conjunction with a hand article, such as a glove, formedusing a flexible substrate 10. However it is understood that this isonly illustrative of various devices capable of being formed. Forexample, an embodiment provides an adhesive device as shown anddescribed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/069,486, which wasfiled on 28 Oct. 2014, and which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Turning now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a hand article (e.g., a glove) 100 isformed using a flexible substrate 10 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) and includes aplurality of UV LED systems 200A-F. Each UV LED system 200A-F caninclude distinct properties, such as a location, a type of radiationemitted, and/or the like. For example, a first UV LED system 200A isshown located at the center (e.g., palm) of the hand article 100, whilesecond, third, fourth, and fifth UV LED systems 200B-E are located atthe end of each protrusion (e.g., finger) of the hand article 100. In anembodiment, the first UV LED system 200A can include ultravioletradiation sources 12 (FIG. 1A) that emit diffusive radiation, whereasthe remaining UV LED systems 200B-E are configured to emit collimatedradiation. In another embodiment, the UV LED systems 200A-E can all emitthe same type of radiation. The tops of the fingers can also includeadditional UV LED systems 200F-J located adjacent to the pads of thefingertips on the palm side of the hand article 100. In an embodiment,these UV LED systems 200F-J can emit radiation with a different specificangular distribution.

The hand article 100 can include a plurality of accelerometers 102,which can be configured to acquire data for interpreting different handgestures as a signal for turning on and off any the UV LED systems200A-J. In an embodiment, using virtual reality technology,three-dimensional hand gestures, the position of the fingers, and/or theposition of the palm can be used to control one or more of the UV LEDsystems 200A-J. For example, in FIG. 2B, a side view of an illustrativehand article 100 in an illustrative gesture position according to anembodiment is shown. This gesture can turn off most of the UV LEDsystems and turn/leave on the UV LED system 200 located on the extendedfinger. In an embodiment, the extended finger can also be pointing tothe target area on the surface to be disinfected. In another example,opening of a first can activate all of the UV LED systems 200A-J. In anembodiment, the UV LED system 200 located on the tip of the finger canemit a focused collimated UV radiation beam onto a surface that requiresdisinfection.

In an embodiment, a control system is integrated into the hand article100. The control system can be configured to control (e.g., set theintensity level and distribution) of the UV radiation emitted by one ormore of the UV LED systems 200. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1B,the control system 120 can be formed as a watch-like device with a setof buttons 122 and a touch screen liquid crystal display (LCD) unit 124for a user to control the UV LED system 200. In an embodiment, thecontrol system 120 can communicate wirelessly to each of the UV LEDsystems 200 located on the hand article 100. In another embodiment, thecontrol system 120 can be coupled to the hand article 100 and wired tothe UV LED systems 200 via, for example, electronic circuitries 19 (FIG.1B) in a layer of the hand article 100. For an embodiment including atouch screen unit 124, it is understood that the finger tips of a handarticle 100 can include partially conductive surfaces in order to allowfor the capacitive touch screen to register the touch.

The control system 120, e.g., via an input touch screen 124, can enablethe user to define a plurality of input parameters. Illustrativeparameters include: the optical properties of the surface to bedisinfected, the approximate distance to the surface from theultraviolet radiation source 12 (FIG. 1A), the time for delivering thedisinfecting dose, the dose of ultraviolet radiation required todisinfect the surface, the intensity and/or the wavelength of theradiation, the number of ultraviolet radiation sources 12 to turn on,the type of radiation to emit from the ultraviolet radiation source 12,a direction of the radiation, and/or the like. In an embodiment, thedose delivered to the target surface area has a variation in intensitywithin the target surface area is at most approximately 40%. In a moreparticular embodiment, the variation in intensity is less thanapproximately 20%. The different dosage of ultraviolet radiation candepend on the treatment to be performed, e.g., a type of pathogen to bedisinfected. For example, for the Ebola virus, the dosage can be 3-5mJ/cm²; for the E. coli virus, the dosage can be 6-12 mJ/cm²; and forclostridium difficile bacteria, the dosage can be 38 mJ/cm². However, itis understood that these dosages are only illustrative, and higher orlower dosages can be utilized in embodiments.

In an embodiment, the ultraviolet radiation sources 12 of each UV LEDsystem 200 can include lenses, and a user can adjust a focus of theemitted radiation via the control system 120, e.g., by using the touchscreen 124. In an embodiment, the user can also focus the emittedradiation mechanically by changing the distance between the ultravioletradiation source 12 and the lenses. The hand article 100 can alsoinclude a visible light source that can be controlled by the controlsystem 120.

Turning now to FIG. 3A, a top view of an illustrative UV LED system 200that can be incorporated into a flexible substrate 10 (FIG. 1A) or ahand article 100 (FIG. 2A) according to an embodiment is shown. The UVLED system 200 includes an ultraviolet radiation source 12, a pluralityof sensing units 114A-C, and a control system 120. In an illustrativeembodiment, a first sensing unit 114A can include a fluorescent emitterand sensor that are configured to emit and sense fluorescent radiationin order to detect pathogen activity on a surface of an object. A secondsensing unit 114B can include a distance detector configured todetermine the distance to the surface to be treated. A third sensingunit 114C can include a reflectometer configured to detect one or moreoptical characteristics of the surface, such as reflectance of thesurface and/or diffusive properties of the surface. It is understoodthat the fluorescent emitter/sensor, distance detector, andreflectometer are only examples of sensing units 114A-C that can be usedin the UV LED system 200 and that other sensing units, such as a visualcamera for detecting the fluorescence emitted from the pathogens on thesurface to be disinfected, a chemical sensor, and/or the like, can beused in the UV LED system 200. The control system 120 can be configuredto collect and use information from the sensing units 114A-C todetermine one or more parameters of operating the correspondingultraviolet radiation source 12, such as a target intensity, duration,wavelength, direction, type, and/or the like, for the emittedultraviolet radiation in order to deliver the target dose of ultravioletradiation for the particular treatment, surface, and/or pathogen.

In order to focus the emitted ultraviolet radiation, the ultravioletradiation source 12 can include an optical element (e.g., lens) that istransparent to ultraviolet radiation. For example, FIG. 3B shows across-section of an illustrative optical element 140 according to anembodiment. In this case, the optical element 140 can be movable (e.g.,rotatable). U.S. application Ser. No. 14/870,515, entitled “MovableUltraviolet Radiation Source,” which was filed on the 30 Sep. 2015, andis incorporated herein by reference, provides more details regarding anembodiment of a movable optical element 140. Regardless, the opticalelement 140 includes an ultraviolet radiation source 12 and a lightguiding structure 142 that is transparent to ultraviolet radiation.While only a single ultraviolet radiation source 12 is shown, it isunderstood that the optical element 140 can include any number of one ormore radiation sources 12. The light guiding structure 142 can beconfigured to redirect (e.g., collimate) light emitted from theultraviolet radiation source 12 into a more focused beam of light 150 tobe directed toward a target area of a surface. When the light guidingstructure 142 is utilized, light emitted from the ultraviolet radiationsource 12 can couple well with the light guiding structure 142. In anembodiment, the coupling ensures at least fifty percent of theultraviolet light 150 emitted by the ultraviolet radiation source 12enters the light guiding structure 142. In an embodiment, the lightguiding structure 142 is configured to ensure a loss of no more thantwenty percent of the ultraviolet radiation within the structure 142.

In an embodiment, the light guiding structure 142 can be formed of anyultraviolet transparent material 144, such as an ultraviolet transparentfluoropolymer, gas layers 146A-B (e.g., air), and a liquid layer 148(e.g., purified water) to achieve total internal reflection to redirectthe ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet radiation source 12.Examples of an ultraviolet transparent fluoropolymer include, but arenot limited to, an amorphous fluoroplastic (e.g., Teflon AF),fluorinated ethylene-propylene (EFEP), fluorinated ethylene propylene(FEP), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylenevinylidene fluoride (THV), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE),ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE), polychlorotrifluoroethene(PCTFE), a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoro methyl alkoxy(MFA), low density polyethylene (LDPE), perfluoroether (PFA), and/or thelike, and/or the like. Other examples of ultraviolet transparentmaterials include fused silica, sapphire, quartz, anodized aluminumoxide (AAO), polylactide (PLA), and fluoride based materials such ascalcium fluoride (CaF2) or magnesium fluoride (MgF2), and/or the like.In an illustrative embodiment, the light guiding structure 142 has apyramid or conical cross-section expanding in a direction away from theultraviolet radiation source 12. As illustrated, the light guidingstructure 142 can include a layer 144 formed of a fluoropolymer layer144. Although not shown, the light guiding structure 142 can include aplurality of protrusions configured to diffusively scatter theultraviolet radiation (e.g., from the bottom surface of the lightguiding structure 142).

Fabrication of an illustrative light guiding structure 142 is shown anddescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/853,057, which wasfiled on 14 Sep. 2015, and which is hereby incorporated by reference. Inanother embodiment, the light guiding structure 142 is fabricated usinganodized aluminum oxide (AAO) as shown and described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/853,014, which was filed on 14 Sep. 2015, andwhich is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 4A shows a side view of an illustrative UV LED system 300 that canbe incorporated into a flexible substrate 10 (FIG. 1A) or a hand article100 (FIG. 2A) according to still another embodiment, and FIG. 4Billustrates illumination of a surface 302 by the UV LED system 300. Inthis case, the UV LED system 300 is shown including an input/outputinterface 324 (e.g., a touch screen), a visible light source 360, anultraviolet radiation source 312, an ultraviolet fluorescentsource/sensor 314, and a camera 380. In an embodiment, the visible lightsource 360 and ultraviolet sources 312, 314 can be configured to producea comparable intensity distribution on a surface 302 that is a targetdistance away from the UV LED system 300 and have a comparableattenuation with distance from the UV LED system 300 to the surface 302.To this extent, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, an area 304 can beilluminated by the visible light source 360 and an area 306 can beilluminated by the ultraviolet source 312.

In an embodiment, one or more of the sources 312, 314, 360 comprises amovable source as described U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/883,804,which was filed on 15 Oct. 2015, and which is hereby incorporated byreference, which can be rotated based on the distance to ensure that theareas 304, 306 continue to be substantially aligned on the surface 302.That is, the visible light source 360 is controlled (e.g., via the touchscreen 324) to produce substantially the same intensity distribution onthe surface 302 as the ultraviolet radiation source 312 and thefluorescent source 314. In an embodiment, the area 306 can have a sizeof at least approximately one square centimeter.

In operation, the camera 380 can detect the intensity of the visibleradiation (from the visible source 360) on the surface 302 and UV LEDsystem 300 can adjust the ultraviolet radiation source 312 to obtain atarget dose. The UV LED system 300 can include a visible indicator(e.g., a visible light) that can blink at the completion of a radiationcycle in order to indicate to a user that the appropriate ultravioletradiation dosage was achieved. It is understood that the correlationbetween the intensity of the visible radiation and the ultravioletradiation can be adjusted for a surface with particular opticalproperties, such as reflectivity and/or absorption of the surface, asthe reflection and absorption of radiation is different at differentwavelengths. For example, for a surface including a particular plastic,for that material the reflection and diffusion of visible light can becalibrated to obtain UV reflection and diffusion characteristics. It isclear that the comparable table of surface properties for visible and UVlight have to be compiled prior to calibration.

The fluorescent sensor 114A in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A and thefluorescent sensor 314 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A can be used todetermine whether a surface contains contamination. In this case, thesources 114A, 314 are used to excite fluorescent radiation, whichindicates contamination. It is understood that sources 114A, 314 used toexcite fluorescent radiation can operate at wavelengths in theultraviolet radiation spectrum, but different wavelengths than theultraviolet radiation used for disinfection of the surface. However, insome embodiments, the sources 114A, 314A used to excite fluorescentradiation can be the same sources 12 (FIG. 3A), 312 (FIG. 4A) that areused for disinfection. In these embodiments, the sources 114A, 314 canbe operated at different intensity levels and/or different time periodicbehaviors. For example, a single source 114A, 314 can alternate betweena UV disinfection mode and a UV fluorescent mode of operation, dependingon the intensity and time periodic behavior of the UV radiation.

In any of the embodiments of the UV LED systems discussed herein, heatsink elements can be included to dissipate the heat generated by theultraviolet radiation sources. The UV LED systems can also include fansfor cooling the components of the UV LED system, such as the ultravioletradiation sources. Further, the ultraviolet radiation sources, and othercomponents of the UV LED systems can be powered via batteries or otherpower supply components, such as, for example, mechanically activatedpower generators like a vibration power generator based on magneticinducted oscillations or stresses developed on a piezoelectric crystal,a super capacitor that is rechargeable, electrical accumulating elementscharged by mechanical motion, a mechanical energy to electrical energyconverter such as a piezoelectric crystal, solar elements. The variousembodiments of the present invention are not limited to using only oneparticular power supply modality. For example, a vibration powergenerator can be used to generate power while a set of batteries can beused to store the power generated from the vibration power generator.Aspects of these features are further described in described U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/883,804, which was filed on 15 Oct. 2015.

In another embodiment, the ultraviolet radiation sources can be poweredusing a rechargeable device. For example, a vibration power generatorcan be configured with rechargeable componentry. In another example, awired or wireless charging system can be used as power options. Forexample, a wireless charging system can be used to charge a vibrationpower generator from an electromagnetic signal. In yet another example,a charge can be provided by the use of a piezoelectric crystal thatfunctions according to mechanical pressure. The type of power supply andthe particular treatment that is performed are factors that candetermine how often a recharging operation is needed. For example, atypical LED, operating at 20 milliamperes (mA), with a coin batteryrated 225 milliampere hour (mAH), can operate in a continuous mode forabout 10 hours. Aspects of these features also are further described indescribed U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/883,804, which was filedon 15 Oct. 2015.

Regardless, FIG. 5 shows an illustrative process for sterilizing asurface, which can be performed using a flexible substrate (e.g., handarticle 100 shown in FIG. 2A) including a UV LED system describedherein, according to an embodiment. It is understood that the UV LEDsystem can include one or more of the features described in conjunctionwith any of the embodiments described herein (e.g., UV LED system 200 inFIGS. 2A-2B, UV LED system 300 in FIGS. 3A-3B, UV LED system 400 in FIG.4A). In action 410, the UV LED system, e.g., a computer system includedtherein, can determine a distance to the surface 302 (FIG. 4B) and oneor more properties of the surface. As part of determining the distance,the UV LED system can generate an error and prompt the user of the UVLED system when the distance is outside of a target range of distancesand/or no surface 302 is detected. In this case, the UV LED system canperiodically re-measure the distance until a surface is detected withinthe target range of distances. Furthermore, it is understood that the UVLED system can generate a warning when the distance is approaching anextent of the target range of distances, in which case the process canproceed to the next action, or when the surface 6 has been moved outsideof the target range of distances (e.g., too close or too far), in whichcase the process can remain in action 410. In the latter situation, theUV LED system can signal the user and turn off the ultraviolet sourcesof the UV LED system, if necessary, until the surface 302 is againwithin range.

When the surface 302 is within the target range of distances from the UVLED system, in action 412, the UV LED system can configure (e.g., set,adjust, or the like) the operation parameters for various source andacquisition devices located thereon based on the distance and/or one ormore of the surface property(ies). For example, the operation parameterscan include one or more of: on/off status of one or more of a visiblelight source, an ultraviolet source, an ultraviolet fluorescent source,a camera, a chemical source, and/or the like; duration and/or intensityof operation of the ultraviolet source(s), which can be determined basedon a dose delivered and/or to be delivered; an intensity of anultraviolet fluorescent source, a chemical source, a visible lightsource, and/or the like; etc. In an embodiment, the visible light sensedby the camera can provide feedback to adjust the intensity of theultraviolet source. However, it is understood that one or more of thesources can be operated using a different operation schedule. Forexample, the chemical source may be a sprayer operated independentlyfrom the other sources, the ultraviolet fluorescent source can operateon a different schedule than the ultraviolet source and the visiblesource, and/or the like. In action 414, the UV LED system can operatethe various devices according to the operation parameters. Suchoperation can last for a predetermined minimum amount of time, such asone second. In an embodiment, for the Ebola virus, a dosage time isapproximately one minute.

In action 416, the UV LED system, e.g., a computer system includedtherein, can acquire and process feedback data regarding the operationof the device(s). The feedback data can include image data of thesurface 302, data corresponding to a dose delivered to an area of thesurface 302 (which can be calculated based on the intensity, duration,and distance data), data corresponding to a presence of a targetcontaminant on the surface 302, and/or the like. In action 418, the UVLED system can determine whether a target dose has been delivered to thetarget area of the surface 302. Such a determination can be made basedon an amount of ultraviolet radiation having illuminated the surface302, a presence of the target contaminant on the surface 302, and/or thelike. If not, the process can continue to action 420, in which the UVLED system can determine whether an amount of time allocated for thesterilization process has expired. If not, the process returns to action410 and continues in an iterative manner.

Once the dose has been delivered or the maximum time has expired, inaction 422, the UV LED system can signal the user and turn off thevarious devices. For example, the UV LED system can indicate that thesterilization process has successfully completed or has timed outwithout successful completion. In response, the user can elect to starta new sterilization process, sterilize another surface 302 or area ofthe surface 302, and/or the like.

It is understood that the process of FIG. 5 is only illustrative, andvarious modifications are possible. For example, depending on the targetsurface 302, the optical properties of the surface 302 can be determinedonce at the beginning of a sterilization process, and not repeatedlyduring the process. Furthermore, an illustrative process can beimplemented without acquiring and processing feedback data. For example,the UV LED system can enable the user to input only a few relevantparameters, such as a type of surface 302 (e.g., skin, clothing,absorbent, reflective, transparent, and/or the like), a type of targetcontaminant (e.g., virus, bacteria, chemical, and/or the like), anapproximate distance to the surface 302, and an amount of time desiredfor the sterilization. Subsequently, the UV LED system can operateaccording to the input parameters and assume that the area has beensuccessfully sterilized after completion of the process. The UV LEDsystem can further include an ability to provide feedback to the userregarding the area sterilized, such as an approximate size of the area,a visible indication of the area, and/or the like.

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative system 500 for implementing an UV LEDsystem including an ultraviolet radiation source 12 described hereinaccording to one embodiment. The system 500 of FIG. 6 includes amonitoring and/or control system 510, which is implemented as a computersystem 520 including an analysis program 530, which makes the computersystem 520 operable to manage the ultraviolet radiation source(s) 12,sensors 14, visible light source 15, and any other components asmentioned above. In particular, the analysis program 530 can enable thecomputer system 520 to operate the ultraviolet radiation source(s) 12 togenerate and direct ultraviolet radiation towards a surface fordisinfection and process data corresponding to one or more conditionsdetected by one or more of the sensors 14.

The computer system 520 is shown including a processing component 522(e.g., one or more processors), a storage component 524 (e.g., a storagehierarchy), an input/output (I/O) component 526 (e.g., one or more I/Ointerfaces and/or devices), and a communications pathway 528. Ingeneral, the processing component 522 executes program code, such as theanalysis program 530, which is at least partially fixed in storagecomponent 524. While executing program code, the processing component522 can process data, which can result in reading and/or writingtransformed data from/to the storage component 524 and/or the I/Ocomponent 526 for further processing. The pathway 528 provides acommunications link between each of the components in the computersystem 520. The I/O component 526 can comprise one or more human I/Odevices, which enable a human user 540 to interact with the computersystem 520 and/or one or more communications devices to enable a systemuser 540 to communicate with the computer system 520 using any type ofcommunications link via an external interface 533. To this extent, theanalysis program 530 can manage a set of interfaces (e.g., graphicaluser interface(s), application program interface, and/or the like) thatenable human and/or system users 540 to interact with the analysisprogram 530. Furthermore, the analysis program 530 can manage (e.g.,store, retrieve, create, manipulate, organize, present, etc.) the data,such as analysis data 540, using any solution.

In any event, the computer system 520 can comprise one or more generalpurpose computing articles of manufacture (e.g., computing devices)capable of executing program code, such as the analysis program 530,installed thereon. As used herein, it is understood that “program code”means any collection of instructions, in any language, code or notation,that cause a computing device having an information processingcapability to perform a particular action either directly or after anycombination of the following: (a) conversion to another language, codeor notation; (b) reproduction in a different material form; and/or (c)decompression. To this extent, the analysis program 530 can be embodiedas any combination of system software and/or application software.

Furthermore, the analysis program 530 can be implemented using a set ofmodules 532. In this case, a module 532 can enable the computer system520 to perform a set of tasks used by the analysis program 530, and canbe separately developed and/or implemented apart from other portions ofthe analysis program 530. As used herein, the term “component” means anyconfiguration of hardware, with or without software, which implementsthe functionality described in conjunction therewith using any solution,while the term “module” means program code that enables a computersystem 520 to implement the actions described in conjunction therewithusing any solution. When fixed in a storage component 524 of a computersystem 520 that includes a processing component 522, a module is asubstantial portion of a component that implements the actions.Regardless, it is understood that two or more components, modules,and/or systems may share some/all of their respective hardware and/orsoftware. Furthermore, it is understood that some of the functionalitydiscussed herein may not be implemented or additional functionality maybe included as part of the computer system 520.

When the computer system 520 comprises multiple computing devices, eachcomputing device can have only a portion of the analysis program 530fixed thereon (e.g., one or more modules 532). However, it is understoodthat the computer system 520 and the analysis program 530 are onlyrepresentative of various possible equivalent computer systems that mayperform a process described herein. To this extent, in otherembodiments, the functionality provided by the computer system 520 andthe analysis program 530 can be at least partially implemented by one ormore computing devices that include any combination of general and/orspecific purpose hardware with or without program code. In eachembodiment, the hardware and program code, if included, can be createdusing standard engineering and programming techniques, respectively.

Regardless, when the computer system 520 includes multiple computingdevices, the computing devices can communicate over any type ofcommunications link. Furthermore, while performing a process describedherein, the computer system 520 can communicate with one or more othercomputer systems using any type of communications link. In either case,the communications link can comprise any combination of various types ofoptical fiber, wired, and/or wireless links; comprise any combination ofone or more types of networks; and/or utilize any combination of varioustypes of transmission techniques and protocols. Furthermore, thecomputer system 520 can be programmed via a wireless communicationssolution, such as WiFi. In this embodiment, the computer system 520 canprovide reports to the user 540 or one or more other computer systemsvia the wireless communications solution regarding any aspect to theillustrative environment 1000, including, but not limited to ultravioletillumination of a surface for treatment. Similarly, the computer system520 can generate treatment operation status information via a statusindicator 1037.

While shown and described herein as a treatment device, it is understoodthat aspects of the present invention further provide variousalternative embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the variousembodiments of the present invention provide a computer program fixed inat least one computer-readable medium, which when executed, enables acomputer system to disinfect an area using ultraviolet radiation. Tothis extent, the computer-readable medium includes program code, such asthe analysis program 530 (FIG. 6), which enables a computer system toimplement some or all of a process described herein. It is understoodthat the term “computer-readable medium” comprises one or more of anytype of tangible medium of expression, now known or later developed,from which a copy of the program code can be perceived, reproduced, orotherwise communicated by a computing device. For example, thecomputer-readable medium can comprise: one or more portable storagearticles of manufacture; one or more memory/storage components of acomputing device; paper; and/or the like.

In another embodiment, the various embodiments of the present inventionprovide a method of providing a copy of program code, such as theanalysis program 530 (FIG. 6), which enables a computer system toimplement some or all of a process described herein. In this case, acomputer system can process a copy of the program code to generate andtransmit, for reception at a second, distinct location, a set of datasignals that has one or more of its characteristics set and/or changedin such a manner as to encode a copy of the program code in the set ofdata signals. Similarly, an embodiment of the present invention providesa method of acquiring a copy of the program code, which includes acomputer system receiving the set of data signals described herein, andtranslating the set of data signals into a copy of the computer programfixed in at least one computer-readable medium. In either case, the setof data signals can be transmitted/received using any type ofcommunications link.

In still another embodiment, the various embodiments of the presentinvention provide a method for ultraviolet illumination of a surface fortreatment. In this case, the generating can include configuring acomputer system, such as the computer system 520 (FIG. 6), to implementthe method for ultraviolet illumination of a surface for treatment. Theconfiguring can include obtaining (e.g., creating, maintaining,purchasing, modifying, using, making available, etc.) one or morehardware components, with or without one or more software modules, andsetting up the components and/or modules to implement a processdescribed herein. To this extent, the configuring can include deployingone or more components to the computer system, which can comprise one ormore of: (1) installing program code on a computing device; (2) addingone or more computing and/or I/O devices to the computer system; (3)incorporating and/or modifying the computer system to enable it toperform a process described herein; and/or the like.

The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations arepossible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to anindividual in the art are included within the scope of the invention asdefined by the accompanying claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a flexible substratecomprising an ultraviolet absorbing layer located on a first side of theflexible substrate, the flexible substrate including a second sidelocated opposite the first side; and an ultraviolet radiation systemcoupled to the flexible substrate, wherein the ultraviolet radiationsystem includes: at least one ultraviolet radiation source configured toemit ultraviolet radiation through the second side; an ultraviolettransparent component configured to wave guide the ultravioletradiation, wherein the ultraviolet transparent component includes aplurality of protrusions configured to diffusively scatter theultraviolet radiation; and a control system configured to controloperation of the at least one ultraviolet radiation source.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the ultraviolet transparent componentcomprises an ultraviolet transparent fluoropolymer.
 3. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one ultraviolet radiation source comprisesan ultraviolet light emitting diode (LED).
 4. The device of claim 1,wherein the ultraviolet radiation system further comprises at least onesensing unit configured to detect pathogen activity on a surface locatedadjacent to the second side, wherein the control system controlsoperation of the at least one ultraviolet radiation source based on thepathogen activity.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the at least onesensing unit includes a fluorescent sensor configured to sensefluorescence emission from the pathogen activity.
 6. The device of claim4, wherein the at least one sensing unit includes a fluorescent emitterconfigured to emit radiation at a peak wavelength that is capable toexciting a fluorescence emission from the pathogen activity.
 7. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the at least one ultraviolet radiation sourcecomprises a group III nitride ultraviolet LED.
 8. A device, comprising:a flexible substrate comprising an ultraviolet absorbing layer locatedon a first side of the flexible substrate, the flexible substrateincluding a second side located opposite the first side; and anultraviolet radiation system coupled to the flexible substrate, whereinthe ultraviolet radiation system includes: at least one ultravioletlight emitting diode configured to emit ultraviolet radiation throughthe second side; an ultraviolet transparent component configured todirect the ultraviolet radiation in a direction normal to the secondside; and a control system configured to control operation of the atleast one ultraviolet light emitting diode.
 9. The device of claim 8,wherein the at least one ultraviolet light emitting diode operates at awavelength in the range of 230 nanometers to 360 nanometers.
 10. Thedevice of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of ultravioletradiation systems, wherein at least one of the ultraviolet radiationsystems operates at a wavelength in the range of 250 nanometers to 280nanometers.
 11. The hand article of claim 8, wherein the flexiblesubstrate comprises a material selected from a group consisting of:rubber, latex, and neoprene.
 12. The device of claim 8, wherein theultraviolet transparent component comprises an ultraviolet transparentfluoropolymer.
 13. The device of claim 8, wherein the at least oneultraviolet light emitting diode comprises a group III nitride lightemitting diode.
 14. The device of claim 8, wherein the ultravioletradiation system further comprises at least one sensing unit configuredto detect pathogen activity on a surface located adjacent to the secondside.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the at least one sensing unitincludes a fluorescent sensor configured to sense fluorescence emissionfrom the pathogen activity.
 16. A hand article, comprising: a flexiblesubstrate configured to at least partially cover a hand of a user, theflexible substrate forming an interior surface immediately adjacent tothe hand and an exterior surface; and an ultraviolet radiation systemcoupled to the flexible substrate, wherein the ultraviolet radiationsystem includes: at least one ultraviolet radiation source configured toemit ultraviolet radiation towards a treatment surface located adjacentto the exterior surface; at least one sensing unit configured to sense aset of properties of the treatment surface; an ultraviolet transparentcomponent configured to focus the ultraviolet radiation, wherein theultraviolet transparent component includes a plurality of protrusionsconfigured to diffusively scatter the ultraviolet radiation; and acontrol system configured to control operation of the at least oneultraviolet radiation source based on the set of properties of thetreatment surface.
 17. The hand article of claim 16, wherein theultraviolet transparent component comprises an ultraviolet transparentfluoropolymer.
 18. The hand article of claim 16, wherein the at leastone ultraviolet radiation source comprises a group III nitrideultraviolet light emitting diode.
 19. The hand article of claim 16,further comprising a plurality of ultraviolet radiation systems, whereinat least one of the ultraviolet radiation systems is located at an endof a finger of the hand article.
 20. The hand article of claim 16,wherein the ultraviolet radiation system comprises a plurality ofultraviolet radiation sources, and wherein at least one ultravioletradiation source emits collimated radiation and at least one ultravioletradiation source emits diffusive radiation.